Bottom Of The Barrel

Does the suit tie us down?

Does the modern corporation use of a formal dress code create a more productive and professional work environment? Or does the internet software ultra-casual attire allow workers to be more comfortable and therefore a harder worker? Or perhaps the middle of the road business casual is the happy medium most employees are satisfied with?

According to a 2004 CareerThink Poll the majority of respondents work in a business casual environment however they were split nearly evenly on the increased productivity due to dress code. They also split into 3 groups of nothing, looser and tighter dress code when asked if their company should adjust the dress code.

On the other hand a 2005 Career News article states that more than 80% of people polled felt a person's work attire affects his or her professional image while almost half thought wardrobe significantly impacts how someone is perceived on the job.

The other thing that is obvious, when reading a Q & A on the International Customer Management Institute website, the issue of defining a dress code is probably impossible. Even though most of the responders indicated that more comfortable work environment leads to more productive work force.

I really think a business casual environment is the happy medium for most office work environments and of course formal business attire when the situation calls for such, say at a business meeting, conference, sales pitch, ect. Now defining what "business casual" is a suit of another color.

posted by TheWino @ 9:43 AM